SAFEWORK SA, ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Can the minister advise the chamber about SafeWork SA's role at this year's Royal Adelaide Show?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:56): I would like to thank the honourable member for her very important question. South Australians have been enjoying the Royal Adelaide Show since 1840. It has changed dramatically since the initial produce and livestock shows held back then and today it is the largest public event in South Australia.

Like all large-scale events safety is paramount for the workers, volunteers and some half a million people who come through the gates over the nine days. Each year SafeWork SA aims to ensure that safe systems of work are in place for the benefit of employees, volunteers and members of the public at the Royal Show. For this purpose, SafeWork SA liaises closely with the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, amusement structure operators and employers at many food and retail outlets.

SafeWork SA liaises with these groups prior to, during and after the Royal Show to ensure that the duty holders are complying with their obligations under the state's occupational health, safety and welfare legislation. OH&S inspectors are on duty to reinforce the safety of everyone involved. This year inspectors conducted daily site visits during the set-up period, the nine days of the show and the breakdown and dismantling period. Four compliance notices were issued relating to falls from heights and insufficient risk assessments and safe work procedures.

In addition, SafeWork SA staff provided guidance and education to over 100 organisers and stakeholders to assist them in meeting their obligations. SafeWork SA industrial relations inspectors, working on behalf of the Fair Work Ombudsman, were also on hand to advise, educate and reinforce the legislative obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009.

More than 50 site visits and interactions with employers and employees, covering general retail, food, hospitality and amusement structure operators, were conducted by the industrial relations inspectors this year. Close communication with representatives of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, South Australia Police and other emergency services personnel engendered a proactive approach to safety.

I would like to congratulate the SafeWork SA staff for working with the Royal Show organisers and emergency services personnel to keep employers, employees, volunteers and the general public safe at another major South Australian event.